IRS Penalty Abatement Request — First-Time Abate
Sample letter (PDF)
Sample letter requesting First-Time Abate (FTA) relief under IRM 20.1.1.3.3.2.1. For taxpayers with a clean 3-year compliance history.
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Free PDF templates for the most common IRS letters and the checklists we use ourselves to keep clients out of trouble.
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Every template is a starting point — fill in your facts and verify the references against your IRS notice before sending. For a balance under $10,000 these letters typically resolve directly with IRS ACS; above that, consider engaging an Enrolled Agent or tax attorney.
Available downloads
IRS Penalty Abatement Request — Reasonable Cause
Sample letter (PDF)
Sample letter for reasonable-cause abatement (illness, bereavement, disaster, records destroyed, professional reliance). Includes documentation checklist.
DownloadIRS Installment Agreement Request Letter
Sample letter (PDF)
Sample letter proposing monthly payment terms. Covers DDIA mechanics, streamlined thresholds, and the financial-disclosure trigger.
DownloadOffer in Compromise — Pre-Qualification Checklist
Checklist (PDF)
Self-screen before the $205 Form 656 fee. Walks through eligibility gates and the Reasonable Collection Potential (RCP) math the IRS uses.
DownloadYear-End Tax Planning Checklist
Checklist (PDF)
Income timing, deductions, retirement contributions, entity moves, and records to close out before December 31.
DownloadNew Business Setup Checklist
Checklist (PDF)
Sequenced federal, state, banking, insurance, and operational steps for a new sole prop, LLC, or S-Corp.
DownloadQuarterly Estimated Tax Worksheet
Worksheet (PDF)
Project annual liability, calculate quarterly payments, and log Apr 15 / Jun 15 / Sep 15 / Jan 15 confirmations.
Download2025–2026 Tax Calendar (.ics)
Calendar (ICS)
Subscribable calendar file with every federal deadline. Imports into Outlook, Google Calendar, and Apple Calendar.
DownloadIn a crisis?
If you're facing immediate IRS collection action or financial hardship, see /crisis for free helplines including the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service and Low Income Taxpayer Clinics.